User:Navinsingh133/Motorcycle chain

Motorcycle chain ...

A motorcycle chain is a specialized roller chain used in motorcycle transmission(final drive). It should not be confused with Bicycle chain.

Most motorcycle chains are uncovered nowadays due to high power output.

On the basis of link sealing they are of following types:-


 * 1) Standard roller chain(non-O-ring)
 * 2) Internally lubricated sealed chain
 * 3) O-ring chain
 * 4) X-ring chain

Standard chain (or non O-ring chain)
Commonly used in low performance motorcycles, Moto X bikes, and bicycles. They are simplest and oldest type of roller chain. They are not self-lubricating and they need to be lubricated properly and regularly as lack of maintenance can cause wear and tear of both chain and sprocket.

O-ring chain
The o-ring chain is a specialized type of roller chain used in the transmission of mechanical power from one sprocket to another. While it is self lubricated, it has more friction due to rubber O-rings present in chain. However, the drag(friction) reduces when they heat up.

Construction
The o-ring chain is named for the rubber o-rings built into the space between the outside link plate and the inside roller link plates. Chain manufacturers began to include this feature in 1971 after the application was invented by Joseph Montano while working for Whitney Chain of Hartford, Connecticut. O-rings were included as a way to improve lubrication to the links of power transmission chains, a service that is vitally important to extending their working life. These rubber fixtures form a barrier that holds factory applied lubricating grease inside the pin and bushing wear areas. Further, the rubber o-rings prevent dirt and other contaminants from entering the chain linkages, where such particles would otherwise cause significant wear.

Applications
O-ring chains are most notably used in motorcycles, one of the most demanding applications for a metal chain. High rpm and heavy loads require bulky chains, but such engineering increases the effect of friction compared to lighter chains. So lubrication plays a vital role here, but the high rpm also make it very difficult to keep lubrication inside and on the chain. Additionally, motorcycle chains are exposed to a large volume of contaminants and particles and must be protected. O-rings, as described above, fit this application perfectly.

X-ring chain
The X-ring chain is a specialized type of sealed roller chain used to transfer mechanical power. Like the O-ring chain it is used in high performance motorcycles. It uses X-ring seal to keep lubricant(usually grease) in place.

It has higher performance than non O-ring chain and less friction than O-ring chain which also increases reliability. It can last twice as long as the O-ring chain.

Development
The X-ring chain is developed from O-ring chain which in turn is developed from non O-ring chain. While the regular O-ring chain has high durability, it also has more friction(compared to other types of roller chain) due to distortion of the O-ring due to pressure from the inner and outer chain plates. This results in loss of power in the transmission. Therefore, X-ring chain was developed by replacing O-ring seal with X-ring seal which increased durability and greatly reduced friction.

Design
Like the O-ring chain it has sealing rings which keep the contaminant (dirt) out, and lubricant in between the pins and bushings. However, unlike O-ring chain, it has X shaped seal which does not increase surface area (which is in contact with the chain plates) when under pressure. Therefore the friction in X-ring chain does not increase much when pressure is applied by the chain plates.

Maintenance
Non O-ring chains require frequent and through maintenance as dirt and filth reaches inside them.

Since O-ring and X-ring chains are self lubricating(Internally) and have low friction, they are more durable and require less maintenance. However still, maintenance is required - especially on the outside of the rings, as they are very sensitive to damage. Special care must be taken in cleaning as they have complex construction and rubber rings can be damaged by strong solvent like petrol or any other organic compound.

Motorcycle chain lubrication
Chains operating at high speeds comparable to those on motorcycles should be used in conjunction with an oil bath. For modern motorcycles this is not possible, and most motorcycle chains run unprotected. Thus, motorcycle chains tend to wear very quickly relative to other applications. They are subject to extreme forces and are exposed to rain, dirt, sand and road salt.

Motorcycle chains are part of the drive train to transmit the motor power to the back wheel. Properly lubricated chains can reach an efficiency of 98% or greater in the transmission. Unlubricated chains have significantly decrease performance and increased chain and sprocket wear.

Two types of aftermarket lubricants are available for motorcycle chains: spray on lubricants and oil drip feed systems.
 * Spray lubricants may contain wax or PTFE. While these lubricants use tack additives to stay on the chain they can also attract dirt and sand from the road and over time produce a grinding paste that accelerates component wear.
 * Oil drip feed systems continuously lubricate the chain and use light oil that does not stick to the chain. Research has shown that oil drip feed systems provide the greatest wear protection and greatest power saving.